Here's what some current and former OU players and coaches had to say about their experiences:

Senior linebacker Corey Nelson: “When you go to historic places like Notre Dame, Florida State, Alabama, it creates a different atmosphere and stirs up a different kind of feeling in the players and I'm sure the fans as well.”

Co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell: “I think that's the great thing about being at Oklahoma, and that's why these kids wanna come here is to play in these types of games versus nonconference opponents that are so highly regarded. … Kids dream about performing in these types of games.”

Senior cornerback Aaron Colvin: “This is gonna be a very good team and a traditional school that has a lot of history. We know the crowd will be hostile just like Florida State was.”

Former OU fullback J.D. Runnels: “I wasn't there, but I can imagine that (Tuesday) was probably the hardest practice those kids have gone through, just knowing the practice schedule. It's totally different, man. It's a different mindset.

“There's a different feeling walking around there (during weeks of big road games). All the coaches are intense. There's no mistakes made those weeks. Everybody's on point. You're getting ready to go into a crazy atmosphere. Everybody's on their A-game right now.”

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Ryan Aber has worked for The Oklahoman since 2006, covering high schools, the Oklahoma City RedHawks, the Oklahoma City Barons and OU football recruiting. An Oklahoma City native, Aber graduated from Northeastern State. Before joining The...